HomeMODEX 2026: Key Takeaways and Industry Insights
The show floor on the first day of MODEX 2026. Credit: Eugene Demaitre
News of the week
Skild acquires Fetch Robotics assets from Zebra
Skild AI has purchased the robotics division of Zebra Technologies, previously known as Fetch Robotics. According to Skild, this acquisition will enable the deployment of its hardware-agnostic "omni-bodied" intelligence layer throughout the global logistics industry.
By combining its AI "brain" with Zebra's proven Symmetry warehouse orchestration platform, the company aims to evolve task-specific automation into a cohesive, autonomous fulfillment ecosystem, while simultaneously enhancing its proprietary data feedback loop.
Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild AI, informed The Robot Report that "the Fetch team's extensive deployment experience was a primary driver for the acquisition." Skild added that it plans to continue supporting the existing Fetch/Zebra customer base, address fulfillment bottlenecks, and develop new warehouse solutions.
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind use Gemini to enhance Spot
Boston Dynamics announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind this week to integrate the Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 models into its Orbit AIVI-Learning system. The robotics company stated this integration will provide a more advanced, intuitive, and capable AI experience.
Boston Dynamics explained that Spot and Orbit robots can now engage in continuous learning within their operational environments, enabling more sophisticated reasoning and complex visual analysis. DeepMind's Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 model offers specialized capabilities in robotic reasoning, including visual and spatial comprehension, task planning, and success verification.
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the premier global technical conference for commercial robotics developers. The event is organized by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
Listen to the podcast episode for a discount code to register!
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks covering artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. An Engineering Theater on the exhibition floor will also host presentations by industry specialists.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The Robotics Summit will offer multiple networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception following the first day and a ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on medical device technology.
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Anyone else wondering if Skild's acquisition of Fetch Robotics will actually unify the fragmented warehouse robot market, or just create another layer of corporate chaos? 🤔 MODEX 2026 seems like the perfect stage for such a shake-up.
The show floor on the first day of MODEX 2026. Credit: Eugene Demaitre
News of the week
Skild acquires Fetch Robotics assets from Zebra
Skild AI has purchased the robotics division of Zebra Technologies, previously known as Fetch Robotics. According to Skild, this acquisition will enable the deployment of its hardware-agnostic "omni-bodied" intelligence layer throughout the global logistics industry.
By combining its AI "brain" with Zebra's proven Symmetry warehouse orchestration platform, the company aims to evolve task-specific automation into a cohesive, autonomous fulfillment ecosystem, while simultaneously enhancing its proprietary data feedback loop.
Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild AI, informed The Robot Report that "the Fetch team's extensive deployment experience was a primary driver for the acquisition." Skild added that it plans to continue supporting the existing Fetch/Zebra customer base, address fulfillment bottlenecks, and develop new warehouse solutions.
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind use Gemini to enhance Spot
Boston Dynamics announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind this week to integrate the Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 models into its Orbit AIVI-Learning system. The robotics company stated this integration will provide a more advanced, intuitive, and capable AI experience.
Boston Dynamics explained that Spot and Orbit robots can now engage in continuous learning within their operational environments, enabling more sophisticated reasoning and complex visual analysis. DeepMind's Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 model offers specialized capabilities in robotic reasoning, including visual and spatial comprehension, task planning, and success verification.
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the premier global technical conference for commercial robotics developers. The event is organized by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
Listen to the podcast episode for a discount code to register!
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks covering artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. An Engineering Theater on the exhibition floor will also host presentations by industry specialists.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The Robotics Summit will offer multiple networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception following the first day and a ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on medical device technology.
Apptronik launches Apollo 2 and flagship data collection and training hub
Apptronik provides a bipedal configuration for navigating spaces designed for people, while a wheeled base ensures stability and efficiency in high-throughput environments. | Source: ApptronikApptronik made two major announcements yesterday. First, i
AI music generator ProducerAI joins Google Labs
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Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind Integrate Gemini to Enhance Spot's Intelligence
Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot equipped with AIVI-Learning. | Source: Boston DynamicsBoston Dynamics has announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind to integrate Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 into its Orbit AIVI-Learning
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Anyone else wondering if Skild's acquisition of Fetch Robotics will actually unify the fragmented warehouse robot market, or just create another layer of corporate chaos? 🤔 MODEX 2026 seems like the perfect stage for such a shake-up.
